INDUCING PREMATURE ATRIAL CONTRACTIONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF MONITORING AUTONOMIC TONE RISK OF SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH AND ISCHEMIC EVENTS - Implantable systems, and methods for use therein, perform at least one of a cardiac assessment and an autonomic assessment. Premature atrial contractions (PACs) are induced to thereby cause corresponding premature contractions in the ventricles. Short-term fluctuations in cardiac intervals, that follow the premature contractions in the ventricles caused by the induced PACs, are monitored. At least one of a cardiac assessment and an autonomic assessment is performed based on the monitored fluctuations in cardiac intervals that follow the premature contractions in the ventricles caused by the induced PACs. This can include assessing a patient's risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), assessing a patient's autonomic tone and/or detecting myocardial ischemic events based on the monitored fluctuations in cardiac intervals that follow the premature contractions in the ventricles caused by the induced PACs.

2009-11-12

20090281441

System for Heart Performance Characterization and Abnormality Detection - A system for heart performance characterization and abnormality detection includes an acquisition device for acquiring an electrophysiological signal representing heart beat cycles of a patient heart. A detector detects one or more parameters of the electrophysiological signal of parameter type comprising at least one of, (a) amplitude, (b) time duration, (c) peak frequency and (d) frequency bandwidth, of multiple different portions of a single heart beat cycle of the heart beat cycles selected in response to first predetermined data. The multiple different portions of the single heart beat cycle being selected from, a P wave portion, a QRS complex portion, an ST segment portion and a T wave portion in response to second predetermined data. A signal analyzer calculates a ratio of detected parameters of a single parameter type of the multiple different portions of the single heart beat cycle. An output processor generates data representing an alert message in response to a calculated ratio exceeding a predetermined threshold.

Oxygen concentrating apparatus and execution support method of home oxygen therapy using the same - In order to enable a medical worker to certainly and easily know whether a patient on a home oxygen therapy, who continues to inhale an oxygen-enriched gas at home, performs the inhalation as prescribed, a history of a supply condition of the oxygen-enriched gas supplied to the patient is recorded and held as supply history information, this supply history information is compared with a prescription of the oxygen therapy of the patient to generate patient's compliance information to indicate the degree to which the oxygen therapy is performed in accordance with the prescription, the oxygen concentrating apparatus is constructed to be portable, and a doctor can confirm the patient's compliance information at the time of going to a medical institution regularly.

2009-11-12

20090281446

SYSTEM AND DEVICE FOR SEIZURE DETECTION - A device comprises a head mounting arrangement sized and shaped to be worn on a user's head and a plurality of electrodes disposed on the arrangement so that, when the arrangement is worn on the user's head, the electrodes contact target portions of a scalp to detect electrical activity of a brain of the user in combination with an image capture device disposed on the arrangement so that, when the arrangement is worn on the user's head, a field of view of the image capture device includes a portion of an anatomy of the user and a processing unit generating EEG data from the electrical activity, wherein, when the EEG data is indicative of an epileptic event, the processing unit activates the image capture device to capture video data of the user and may store the EEG and/or the video data with transmission of warning signals to one or more remote displaying and/or computing arrangements.

2009-11-12

20090281447

METHOD OF AFFECTING BALANCED BRAIN FUNCTION WITH RELATIONAL AMBIENT SOUND - A method for affecting balanced brain functioning with relational ambient sound is disclosed. During the process of balancing the brain's activity, an ambient sound is played for the subject to hear. The subject's brain develops a relationship between the process of bringing the brain to a balanced state and the ambient sound. As a result of this relationship, balanced brain functioning may then be affected by exposing the subject to that same ambient sound.

2009-11-12

20090281448

Wireless Skin Surface Potential Sensing System and Method - A sensing apparatus and method allows a patient to control an object by asserting a motor unit action potential. An electromyogram sensor is configured to be placed at a selected location on the patient and to sense a motor unit action potential from the patient. The electromyogram sensor is also configured to generate an EMG signal representative of the motor unit action potential. A personal area network transmitting device that is responsive to the EMG signal is configured to generate a wireless signal that corresponds to the EMG signal. A personal area network receiving device is configured to receive the wireless signal and to convert the wireless signal into an electrical signal. A processor is configured to receive the electrical signal and to generate at least one control signal that has a value corresponding to a state of the electrical signal.

2009-11-12

20090281449

Optimization Of Thresholds For Eating Detection - A method is provided that includes providing a fundic impedance signal of a subject sensed during an initial calibration period using at least one implantable fundic sensor of an eating detection device. An indication is received of actual ingestion events of the subject during the initial calibration period. Using a cost function, an analysis is performed of the fundic impedance signal and the actual ingestion events. Responsively to the analysis, a threshold is set, the crossing of which by the fundic impedance signal is indicative of ingestion. The threshold is stored in a memory of the eating detection device. Other embodiments are also described.

2009-11-12

20090281450

VISION AND COGNITION TESTING AND/OR TRAINING UNDER STRESS CONDITIONS - The visual and cognitive skills of a subject may be tested and/or trained by providing a visual stimulus to a subject. More particularly, a subject may be tested and/or trained when under a stress condition to determine the effect of a stress condition, such as a physical stress or a cognitive stress, on the subject's visual and sensory skills. A response may be received from a subject via an input device, the appropriateness of which may depend upon the stimulus provided to the subject. Behavioral information and other data regarding the performance of a subject and the possible effect of the stress condition may be recorded. Scoring may be based upon the speed, accuracy, and other aspects of the performance of a subject.

2009-11-12

20090281451

APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MAPPING RETINAL FUNCTION - The present invention provides an electrode array device for simultaneously detecting electrical potentials at five or more locations on the anterior surface of an eye. The device comprises a dielectric lens substrate having a concave inner surface conforming to the anterior surface of the eye, and at least five recording electrodes positioned in relation to the inner surface of the lens substrate so as to make electrical connection with the anterior surface of the eye when the lens substrate is placed on the anterior surface of eye. Each recording electrode is in electrically conductive communication with a corresponding conductive contact, there being one conductive contact for each recording electrode. Each conductive contact is adapted for operable connection to signal processor, and each conductive contact is electrically insulated from the anterior surface of the eye. A computational method for analyzing electrophysiological potentials recorded at five or more locations on the anterior surface of the eye, which reflect the spatial distribution of activity of the retina, is also provided.

2009-11-12

20090281452

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A MEDICAL PROCEDURE USING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY - A system and method for planning and performing a percutaneous medical procedure is described. A three dimensional data set of a patient is registered with respect to a patient position and an interventional apparatus, which may be a C-arm X-ray device. A target within the patient is identified in the image data, and a skin entry point chosen for planning the procedure. The image data set is processed so as to compute a two dimensional fluoroscopic overlay image upon which the target and the skin entry point are displayed. The angulation of the volumetric representation of the C-arm is controlled so as to plan the guiding path for an interventional device, and the planning attempts to achieve one of a bull's eye orientation or a generalized bull's orientation. The interventional device is aligned with the guiding axis to perform the procedure, which may be monitored using X-ray progression views.

2009-11-12

20090281453

MRI Biopsy Apparatus Incorporating a Sleeve and Multi-Function Obturator - A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture includes a three-dimensional Cartesian positionable guide for supporting and orienting an MRI-compatible biopsy instrument, and in particular a sleeve, to a biopsy site of suspicious tissues or lesions. A depth stop enhances accurate insertion, and prevents over-insertion or inadvertent retraction of the sleeve. The sleeve receives a probe of the MRI-compatible biopsy instrument and may contain various features to enhance its imageability, to enhance vacuum and pressure assist therethrough, and marker deployment etc.

2009-11-12

20090281454

Irrigation and aspiration devices and methods - Irrigation and/or aspiration devices and methods may be configured to aspirate and irrigate alone, sequentially, or concurrently. The devices and methods may provide a base with a removable head, and adapted for partial or complete separation of the irrigation and aspiration functions. The devices and methods can be configured to aspirate and/or irrigate the nasal and sinus cavities. The devices and methods may be manually and/or automatically controlled. The devices and methods may include removable, and/or replaceable, and/or refillable, and easily cleanable reservoirs for aspirant and irrigant. The device head and/or aspirant reservoir may comprise a diagnostic device, i.e., test device and/or container after use of the devices and methods.

2009-11-12

20090281455

BLOOD TEST APPARATUS - A blood test apparatus wherein a blood collection needle and a blood sensor can be easily attached and detached so that a burden or pain of a patient can be relieved. More specifically speaking, a blood test apparatus wherein a holder, a lancet, a blood collection needle and a blood sensor are united together as a blood sampling cartridge that is detachably mounted to the apparatus body. When this blood sampling cartridge is attached, a plunger involved in the apparatus body holds the lancet and connectors involved in the apparatus body come into contact with the blood sensor. It is preferable that the contact points with the blood sensor of the individual connectors are located at intervals at the same angle centering on a definite point.

2009-11-12

20090281456

APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING THE AMNIOTIC FLUID FROM THE UTERUS - An apparatus is provided for collecting amniotic fluid from the uterus. In order to collect the amniotic fluid from the uterus through the external orifice of the cervix of a pregnant woman, an amniotic fluid collecting unit is adapted to bring a mouth, which is foldably formed at the upper end of an amniotic fluid collecting bag, into close contact with an end of the external orifice of the cervix. Thereby, the apparatus not only significantly decreases the risk occurring when a needle is directly inserted into the uterus in order to carry out the amniocentesis (amniotic fluid testing), but also eliminates pain and anxiety caused by the direct insertion of the needle.

2009-11-12

20090281457

PRIME AND FIRE LANCING DEVICE WITH NON-CONTACTING BIAS DRIVE AND METHOD - Described and illustrated herein is an exemplary lancing device. The lancing device includes a first housing, second housing, movable member, lancet, and lancet depth adjustment member. The lancet depth adjustment member is captured by both the first and second housings so that the lancet depth adjustment member is rotatable relative to both housings to provide for a plurality of stop surfaces to the movable member. Other exemplary embodiments are also described.

2009-11-12

20090281458

PRIME AND FIRE LANCING DEVICE WITH CONTACTING BIAS DRIVE AND METHOD - Described and illustrated herein is an exemplary lancing device. The lancing device includes a first housing, second housing, movable member, lancet, and lancet depth adjustment member. The lancet depth adjustment member is captured by both the first and second housings so that the lancet depth adjustment member is rotatable relative to both housings to provide for a plurality of stop surfaces to the movable member. Other exemplary embodiments are also described.

2009-11-12

20090281459

LANCING DEVICES AND METHODS - Described and illustrated herein is an exemplary lancing device. The exemplary lancing device comprises: a first housing having spaced apart proximal and distal ends disposed along a longitudinal axis; a chassis disposed in the first housing in a fixed relationship with the first housing; a movable member disposed in the chassis and configured for movement along the longitudinal axis and in the first housing; a lancet coupled to the movable member; and a lancet depth adjustment member retained by both the first and chassis so that the lancet depth adjustment member is rotatable relative to both housings to provide for a plurality of stop surfaces to the movable member. Other embodiments and methods are also described.

2009-11-12

20090281460

AUTOMATED POINT-OF-CARE FLUID TESTING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - A point of care fluid testing system for determining properties of a fluid comprises a patient connection, a primary fluid routing portion, a pump, a secondary fluid routing portion, and a flushing fluid connection. The patient connection connects the system to a patient. The primary fluid routing portion has a pump region, a fluid transfer region, and an in-line testing region. The pump region pumps the fluid sample from the patient to the testing portion and back to the patient. The in-line testing region evaluates a first characteristic of the fluid sample. The fluid transfer region transmits a portion of the fluid sample out of the primary fluid routing portion. The secondary fluid routing portion includes an off-line testing portion that receives the portion of the fluid sample transmitted from the fluid transfer region. The off-line testing portion evaluates a second characteristic of the fluid sample.

Device and method for following the movement of a living being - A system including a sensor measuring a position of movement, an artificial controller converting the signals from the sensor into state variables of full movement, correlated with a reference model, by performing continual adjustments for estimating these variables directly drawn from the signals of the sensor by results drawn from the reference model. The control which is then provided for completing the movement has good synchronization with the portion accomplished without assistance from the system. Such a system may find application for reproducing or completing the walking of a person with a disabled leg.

2009-11-12

20090281463

THERAPY APPARATUS WITH SEQUENTIAL FUNCTIONING - A therapy apparatus for treating tissues by emission of focused ultrasound waves, includes a probe having a transducer formed by ultrasound elements distributed in several categories (N

2009-11-12

20090281464

Medical treatment system including an ancillary medical treatment apparatus with an associated data storage medium - A medical treatment system includes an electronic controller with a medical treatment apparatus, a data reader, an ancillary treatment apparatus used with the electronic medical treatment apparatus and a data storage medium associated with the ancillary treatment apparatus. The controller is configured to receive information from the data storage medium, and to control the medical treatment apparatus with medical treatment parameters compatible with the desired medical treatment and the ancillary treatment apparatus.

2009-11-12

20090281465

REHABILITATION AND TRAINING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - A rehabilitation and training apparatus is built based on the empirical law by introducing physical therapists' experiences into the apparatus to simulate the therapy with hands in the course of rehabilitation. The apparatus includes a multi-axis robotic arm, and a high-precision control system. The control system provides three operating modes, including an active, a passive, and an auxiliary mode; receives and computes information about a patient's movements and produced force detected by potentiometers and force sensors provided in the multi-axis robotic arm; and accordingly, drives actuators to apply an aiding force or a resisting force to assist the patient in completing and repeating rehabilitation exercises. The apparatus also includes a humanized operating interface, via which a doctor or a physical therapist may obtain related rehabilitation data for assessment and adjustment of rehabilitation therapeutic courses. A method of controlling the apparatus is also provided.

2009-11-12

20090281466

DEVICE FOR REHABILITATION OF INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING LOSS OF SKELETAL JOINT MOTOR CONTROL - A method and device assist in the rehabilitation of patients who have suffered loss of motor control of an appendicular joint due to neurological damage. The method includes attempted contraction by a patient of a muscle that serves to move an affected joint coupled with the production of a perception by the patient that the joint is being moved more than it really is. The method results in dramatic non-transient improvements in motor control of the joint. The device provides an apparatus for performance of the method.

2009-11-12

20090281467

Pump Apparatus for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Apparatus - Portable pump apparatus for the provision of pressurised air to a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) apparatus, the apparatus comprising a housing with an air inlet and an air outlet, and a substantially oil-free pump located within the housing, the substantially oil-free pump having an air inlet in communication with the air inlet of the housing and an air outlet in communication with the air outlet of the housing, such that the pump apparatus is operable to output pressurised air containing less than 1 mg of particulate oil mist per cubic metre of air. Also provided is a cardiopulmonary resuscitation device incorporating such a portable pump apparatus.

2009-11-12

20090281468

Medication head-massaging healthcare and therapy apparatus - The present invention provides a medication head-massaging healthcare and therapy apparatus including a disposable medication cap and a helmet. The helmet includes an inner helmet and an outer helmet. At the same time, the inner helmet and the outer helmet are helmets which are connected to a top side, a left side and a right side so that a volume size of the helmet can be adjusted. The inner helmet is connected to a bottom chassis for a device mounting and a sound absorbing chassis, and a steel ball is mounted on the edges of the outer helmet. A flange is fixed to an axis of a subminiature driving electromotor rotation pin and a steel ball are connected each other in a groove at an eccentric position of the flange.

2009-11-12

20090281469

COMPLIANCE STRAPPING - A compliance strapping includes a predetermined adjustability, tamper deterring and indicating strapping, adapted, in use, to form an encircling loop. The compliance strapping is passed around an object and for further security the strap can be threaded through lining material or through a wearable article or medical device. The free end of the elongate member is passed through the loop, which may be a D-loop sewn into the strapping, thus forming an encircling loop of strapping. The second end is brought around to close proximity with a region of the strapping which has been passed through the loop and the tamper indicating means fastened known as the self locking rivet to said region of the strapping. Thus the encircling loop cannot be broken because the region of the strapping with the self locking rivet fastened thereto cannot pass back through the D-loop.

2009-11-12

20090281470

REINFORCED SUPPORT DEVICE - This invention relates to a reinforced support device suitable for the protection of a body part against overextension. In particular, this invention relates to a device comprising at least one reinforcement spine used to protect a body part against overextension and a plate disposed below a portion of the spine used to provide additional support and comfort. The reinforcement spine can flex in direction of the body part's natural movement and is substantially inflexible in the direction of overextension. Together, the reinforcement spine and plate prevent overextension of the protected body part and disperse the incident forces by transferring those forces from the reinforcement spine to the plate.

2009-11-12

20090281471

Patch Having Easily Detachable Release Sheet - A patch permitting division of only its release sheet by simply pulling right and left, wherein detachment of the release sheet is easy. There is provided a patch comprising a stretchable support, a plaster applied substantially all over one major surface of the support and a release sheet attached to the whole surface of the plaster wherein only the release sheet is divided at a division zone by simply pulling right and left, and wherein one or two or more precut parts that open when the patch is pulled right and left are disposed in the neighborhood on the division zone.

2009-11-12

20090281472

METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF SKIN DISEASES AND THE LIKE - A disposable swab tipped medication applicator containing one or more pharmacologically active agents in an anhydrous crystalline or powdered form at the swab. A method for use of the swab tipped applicator provides for delivery the pharmacological agent(s) to an area of the skin, such as the external auditory canal, preferably after showering or bathing, so that the dry agent is dampened so as to treat conditions of the skin. A package of the prepared applicators is provided in one embodiment, while in another embodiment applicators having two different medicaments are provided in a single package for treatment of a condition.

2009-11-12

20090281473

Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Surrogate Target Agent Technology Filter Intended to Neutralize or Remove Human Immunodeficiency Virus Virions From Blood - The Human Immunodeficiency Virus posses a significant threat to the world's population. Current strategies utilized to treat infectious agents have not been adequate to contain and eradicate this deadly viral infection. HIV seeks out its host, a T-Helper cell, by utilizing glycoprotein 120 probes to engage a CD4 cell-surface receptor located on the surface of a T-Helper cell. Developing blood filtering techniques that incorporate filter mediums that offer HIV virion's probes the opportunity to engage the cell-surface receptors they are seeking offers a means of neutralizing and removing HIV. Filtering the blood of a patient with filter mediums comprised of T-Helper cells, sheets of lipid bilayer or virus-like structures with each type of medium possessing cell-surface receptors intended to attract and engage HIV virions provides an effective strategy to prevent and treat AIDS.

2009-11-12

20090281474

TAMPON PLEDGET HAVING IMPROVED EXPANSION AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING SAME - A feminine hygiene product is presented. The feminine hygiene product includes a body having a mass of compressed fibrous material, an insertion end and a withdrawal end. The body has an overall length L. The insertion end has a diameter A and the withdrawal end has a diameter B. In an initial state, diameter B is at least about equal to up to about ten percent greater than the diameter A. When exposed to a fluid, diameter B radially expands such that a ratio of diameter B to the diameter A is about 1.25 to 1. In one embodiment, the feminine hygiene product is a vaginal tampon and when exposed to a fluid, diameter B expands more rapidly than diameter A to substantially seal a bottom portion of a vaginal cavity and prevent bypass leakage.

2009-11-12

20090281475

IONTOPHORETIC ELECTROTRANSPORT DEVICE - An electrotransport device for transdermal drug delivery has a number of electrodes and driving circuitry for supplying driving signals to the number of electrodes. The electrodes are connected to the driving circuitry in rows and columns. The driving circuitry has row driving circuitry for supplying a row signal to a row of electrodes, and column driving circuitry for supplying a column signal to a column of electrodes. A predetermined electrode is individually addressable by supplying a row signal to a corresponding row of electrodes and a column signal to a corresponding column of electrodes.

2009-11-12

20090281476

Method, Tool, and Kit for Making a Subcutaneous Pocket - The present disclosure generally relates to a tool, a kit including said tool, and a method of use of the tool or the kit for making a subcutaneous pocket in a layer of fat for the introduction of a subcutaneous medical device, and more specifically, a tool, kit, and method of use thereof using a calibrated inflatable volume with a guide to open a subcutaneous pocket at the appropriate location in a body by inflating the volume to the appropriate size. The tool is calibrated to rest against a layer of muscle using a guide wire and inflate in a specific shape to a specific volume to gently displace fatty tissue that may obstruct the implantation of a subcutaneous device between the skin and the ultimate resting place. The tools allows for creating localized lateral retraction in an area of interest without placing strain on the skin or the muscle. A kit using the tool further includes surgical equipment needed for the surgery.

2009-11-12

20090281477

ELECTROPORATION DEVICE AND METHOD - Disclosed herein are methods and devices configured for pulsed voltage ablation that have two or more voltage delivery regions separated along a probe by electrically insulating regions. The electrically insulating regions are of sufficient lengths to allow the voltage delivery regions to be oppositely energized for delivering voltage pulses to treat cells within a predetermined ablation volume that can be delineated through representations indicating pulsed voltage ablation thresholds for cells.

2009-11-12

20090281478

VIBRATORY TROCAR - Devices and methods are provided for removing fluid from a trocar or from surgical instruments passed therethrough, and for preventing such fluid from accumulating. For example, an exemplary method for removing fluid from a trocar can include positioning a trocar to extend into a body cavity and vibrating the trocar to prevent fluid in the trocar from being deposited on surgical instruments passed therethrough. In one embodiment, the trocar can be selectively vibrated by activating a foot pedal or remote control, or according to an output of a sensor.

2009-11-12

20090281479

PNEUMATIC VITREOTOME - A vitreotomy device comprises a body extended by a cannula. The cannula has a closed distal end; it includes a window in its side wall close to said distal end. It houses a needle driven with reciprocating motion and capable of periodically closing said window. The device further comprises suction means connected to the needle, and a double-acting cylinder provided with a moving piston for controlling the movement of said needle. In said device, the needle is driven with reciprocating motion in translation in said cannula; said piston of the double-acting cylinder is secured directly to said needle; as a result, its movements enable the needle to be moved into a first position in which said needle closes said window, and a second position in which the needle leaves said window open. The device makes it possible to control very accurately the lengths of time for which the end of the cannula is open and closed.

2009-11-12

20090281480

OXYGENATION OF AQUEOUS SYSTEMS - Methods for electrolytic oxygenation of aqueous systems, including substantially immersing an anode and a cathode in an aqueous medium, injecting oxygen into the aqueous medium, and applying a current to the electrodes.

2009-11-12

20090281481

INTRAVENOUS CATHETER BLOOD CONTROL DEVICE - An apparatus to control blood flow through an intravenous catheter in accordance with the present invention may include a substantially resilient helical outer shell and an inner valve portion formed therein. The inner valve portion may be configured to open upon compressing the substantially resilient helical outer shell. In some embodiments, the inner valve portion may include mating portions that substantially align to provide fluid leakage therebetween. Compressing the substantially resilient helical outer shell by, for example, inserting a Luer device into a catheter adapter containing the substantially resilient outer shell, may cause the mating portions to misalign, thereby creating a fluid path.

2009-11-12

20090281482

Irrigation and aspiration devices and methods - Irrigation and/or aspiration devices and methods may be configured to aspirate and irrigate alone, sequentially, or concurrently. The devices and methods may provide a base with a removable head, and adapted for partial or complete separation of the irrigation and aspiration functions. The devices and methods can be configured to aspirate and/or irrigate the nasal and sinus cavities. The devices and methods may be manually and/or automatically controlled. The devices and methods may include removable, and/or replaceable, and/or refillable, and easily cleanable reservoirs for aspirant and irrigant. The device head and/or aspirant reservoir may comprise a diagnostic device, i.e., test device and/or container after use of the devices and methods.

2009-11-12

20090281483

Irrigation and aspiration devices and methods - Irrigation and/or aspiration devices and methods may be configured to aspirate and irrigate alone, sequentially, or concurrently. The devices and methods may provide a base with a removable head, and adapted for partial or complete separation of the irrigation and aspiration functions. The devices and methods can be configured to aspirate and/or irrigate the nasal and sinus cavities. The devices and methods may be manually and/or automatically controlled. The devices and methods may include removable, and/or replaceable, and/or refillable, and easily cleanable reservoirs for aspirant and irrigant. The device head and/or aspirant reservoir may comprise a diagnostic device, i.e., test device and/or container after use of the devices and methods.

2009-11-12

20090281484

PERITONEAL DIALYSIS MACHINE - A peritoneal dialysis machine including: a housing; a mechanically actuated piston head extending from a pump actuator housed by the housing, the mechanically actuated piston head positioned to extend towards and away from a fluid pumping cassette, the fluid pumping cassette coupled operably to the housing such that a flexible membrane of the fluid pumping cassette faces the piston head; a pressure sensor positioned by the housing adjacent to the mechanically actuated piston head so as to sense a pressure of a medical fluid moved by the mechanically actuated piston head within the fluid pumping cassette; and a vacuum chamber formed about the mechanically actuated piston head, the vacuum chamber holding a vacuum that sucks the flexible membrane of the fluid pumping cassette onto the mechanically actuated piston head as the mechanically actuated piston head extends away from the fluid pumping cassette.

2009-11-12

20090281485

Irrigation and aspiration devices and methods - Irrigation and/or aspiration devices and methods may be configured to aspirate and irrigate alone, sequentially, or concurrently. The devices and methods may provide a base with a removable head, and adapted for partial or complete separation of the irrigation and aspiration functions. The devices and methods can be configured to aspirate and/or irrigate the nasal and sinus cavities. The devices and methods may be manually and/or automatically controlled. The devices and methods may include removable, and/or replaceable, and/or refillable, and easily cleanable reservoirs for aspirant and irrigant. The device head and/or aspirant reservoir may comprise a diagnostic device, i.e., test device and/or container after use of the devices and methods.

2009-11-12

20090281486

APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - The present embodiments provide apparatus and methods suitable for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site. The apparatus generally comprises at least one container for holding a therapeutic agent, and a pressure source for facilitating delivery of the therapeutic agent. In one embodiment, the pressure source may be placed in selective fluid communication with a proximal region of the container and fluid from the pressure source may flow through at least a portion of the container to urge the therapeutic agent through container towards the target site. In an alternative embodiment, the container and the pressure source may be coupled to first and second inlet ports of a connecting member, respectively, such that the therapeutic agent flows through an outlet port of the connecting member and towards the target site.

2009-11-12

20090281487

BIOPOLYMER POWDER GELATING/JETTING APPARATUS - A system is provided for efficiently gelating and injecting a constant amount of biopolymer powder for effectively using biopolymer in sealing, stanching, and prevention of adhesion of a post-surgical site. Powder transfer line

2009-11-12

20090281488

PTCA GUIDING CATHETER WITH EXTRA LUMEN FOR CONTINUOUS MEDICATION INFUSION - A multi-lumen guiding catheter for PTCA is disclosed. The guiding catheter comprises of a tubular body having a first and at least one second continuous lumen there-through from a proximal end to a distal end thereof The first lumen is having a cross-section and a length, the cross-section of the lumen is being large enough to permit passage there-through of a balloon of the balloon dilatation catheter The at least one second continuous lumen is positioned either in a concentric or eccentric manner in respect to the first lumen, and is adapted provide continuous intra-coronary infusion of a flowing matter A method of continuous intra-coronary infusion of flowing matter thorough a guiding catheter for PTCA is also presented. It comprises of steps of obtaining the aforesaid guiding catheter, and then, administrating a flowing matter thorough this second lumen from its proximal end.

2009-11-12

20090281489

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INFLATION SYRINGE WITH IMPROVED DISPLAY - An inflation syringe having an improved display and method of displaying pressurization information. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for providing both numeric and non-numeric indications of an inflation pressurization associated with an inflation syringe. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a progressive non-numeric display is provided for displaying the pressurization of the inflation syringe along with numeric indicators of the pressurization. The progressive display includes a plurality of indicia corresponding to a range of inflation pressurization values. The indicia are actuated to indicate inflation pressurization and to allow the practitioner to not only easily monitor the general intensity of the pressurization but to monitor changes in the pressurization without needing to interpret numerical values. This permits the user to ascertain the relationship between the current pressurization, desired pressurization, and the rate of pressurization.

2009-11-12

20090281490

Traction Balloon - Balloon catheters and methods of making and using the same. A balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft and a balloon coupled thereto. A traction member may be coupled to the balloon catheter adjacent the balloon and may extend along a portion or all of the length of the balloon. The traction member can improve traction between the balloon and a target site.

2009-11-12

20090281491

INJECTION SYRINGE WITH AUTOMATICALLY RETRACTABLE NEEDLE - An injection syringe comprises a tubular housing, a hollow plunger disposed for reciprocating displacements, partly in the housing, between an advanced and a retracted position, an elongated retraction member arranged for being moved from an advanced to a retracted position in relation to the plunger with at least a part of the retraction member placed inside the plunger, and a spring acting with a spring power between the plunger and the retraction member; a hypodermic needle, displaceable between a first position, wherein it is releasable mounted in the housing and a part of the needle is protruding from the housing, and a second position, wherein the needle is retracted into the housing or the plunger; a releasable retainer arrangement acting between the plunger and the retraction member for retaining the retraction member in its advanced position in relation to the plunger, a releasing mechanism for releasing the retainer when the plunger is in or close to its advanced position, and a coupling for connecting the retraction member and the needle during or immediately after releasing the retainer.

2009-11-12

20090281492

Syringe Guard with Selected Needle Configurations - A device for expelling a fluid through a needle mounted on a hub includes an elongated luer member that has a distal portion dimensioned to engage the needle hub to provide fluid communication between the luer member and the needle. An adapter anchors the luer member within the device. Slidingly mounted on the adapter is a cylindrical-shaped inverted plunger that is movable thereon between an advanced position and a withdrawn position. A needle guard is biased by a biasing member to extend distally from the luer member when the plunger is in the advanced position. The guard is selectively engageable with the plunger to be retracted to expose the distal portion of the luer member for fluid engagement with the needle hub when the plunger is moved to the withdrawn position.

2009-11-12

20090281493

Self-injection guide tablet - The self-injection guide tablet for subcutaneous injections includes adhesively mounted templates with headings indicating a particular day and body injection area. Each template further includes a grid guide, designed to cover the body injection area, along with instructions for placing the grid guide on the particular body injection area. Each grid guide includes a plurality of injection grids, in column or row format, with indicia marking a predetermined injection grid. Upon removing the grid guide from the specific template, the predetermined injection grid remains on the template, so the vacated injection grid forms the injection area for the subcutaneous injection.

WEARABLE PUMP ASSEMBLY - A wearable infusion pump assembly includes a reusable housing assembly, and a disposable housing assembly including a reservoir for receiving an infusible fluid. A releasable engagement assembly is configured to allow the reusable housing assembly to releasably engage the disposable housing assembly. A detachable external infusion set is configured to deliver the infusible fluid to a user.

2009-11-12

20090281498

DEVICES, SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE ABDOMINAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES - Apparatus, tools, device and methods provided for treating a patient including: making an incision or puncture though the patient's skin; establishing an initial tract through an opening formed by the incision or puncture; inserting a guide member having a flexible distal portion and a distal tip into the initial tract and extending the initial tract to form a delivery tract leading to a target location within the patient's body; wherein said distal tip and at least a portion of a remainder of said guide member are transparent and delivering an obturator and conduit assembly over said guide member to place a distal end of the conduit of said obturator and conduit assembly in a location at or near the target location, said obturator having been inserted into said conduit prior to delivering said assembly over said guide member such that a distal end of said obturator extends distally out of a distal opening of said conduit wherein said obturator comprises a central lumen adapted to closely follow said guide member while sliding thereover.

2009-11-12

20090281499

SLEEVED CLIP SAFETY - The present invention relates to a safety clip device for shielding and retaining a tip of an introducer needle following insertion of a vascular catheter. The safety clip device includes a sleeve having an interlock system for locking together the sleeve and the catheter adapter. The sleeve houses a safety clip wherein a portion of the introducer needle extends through the safety clip and is pinched between arm portions of the safety clip. As the tip of the introducer needle is withdrawn from the catheter adapter, the tip of the introducer needle is retained in the safety clip, whereafter the safety clip is retained within the sleeve and the sleeve is released from the catheter adapter for safe disposal.

2009-11-12

20090281500

DEVICES, SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE ABDOMINAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES - Apparatus, tools, device and methods provided for treating a patient, including: making an incision or puncture though the patient's skin; establishing an initial tract through an opening formed by the incision or puncture; inserting a guide member having a flexible distal portion and a distal tip into the initial tract and extending the initial tract to form a delivery tract leading to a target location within the patient's body; wherein said distal tip and at least a portion of a remainder of said guide member are transparent; and delivering an obturator and conduit assembly over said guide member to place a distal end of the conduit of said obturator and conduit assembly in a location at or near the target location, said obturator having been inserted into said conduit prior to delivering said assembly over said guide member such that a distal end of said obturator extends distally out of a distal opening of said conduit; wherein said obturator comprises a central lumen adapted to closely follow said guide member while sliding thereover.

2009-11-12

20090281501

Laparoscopic Gastric and Intestinal Trocar - A trocar needle includes an elongate body having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, a penetrating tip formed at the distal end portion of the body, and an attachment portion formed at the proximal end portion for attaching a tether thereto. A grip region can further be provided and can be formed for example, at the proximal end portion of the body to facilitate gripping by a surgical grasping device. Additionally or alternatively, a notch or otherwise reduced cross-sectional area can be provided. Such a feature can be formed, for example, at the distal end portion of the body, arranged proximal from a distal end thereof for enhancing haptic perception by a surgeon when utilizing the needle.

2009-11-12

20090281502

INFUSION SITE RETAINER - An infusion site retainer configured to maintain tubing coupled to an infusion port includes a support configured to be secured to a patient and having a patient surface opposite a first surface, at least one guide configured to couple the tubing to the support and permit a first portion of the tubing to slide relative to the support, and a plurality of tubing stops configured to secure a second portion of the tubing in a substantially immobile relationship relative to the support.

2009-11-12

20090281503

Self-Suturing Anchor Device - A catheter anchor device for use with a catheter includes an adhesive layer configured to be secured to the skin of the patient proximate the catheter insertion site, a stationary base secured to the adhesive layer, a rotatable ring coupled to the stationary base and circumscribing the stationary base such that the rotatable outer ring can be rotated by the user relative to the stationary base, a first suture including a loop portion and first and second ends, the loop portion looping around a catheter when the anchor device is in place relative to the catheter insertion site, and a pull handle including first and second separable pull tabs, the pull handle being coupled to the first and second ends of the first suture, the pull handle being configured such that actuation of the pull handle actuates first suture to secure the catheter relative to the rotatable ring.

2009-11-12

20090281504

Prefilled Syringe - The prefilled syringe filled with a drug in advance, leaking of liquid from the cap is prevented, gas barrier properties are given to the whole of the barrel filled with the drug and the shoulder section so that degradation of the drug is prevented, permeation of microbial contaminants is prevented to a high extent, and efficiency of packing as a compact container can be increased. The prefilled syringe includes a guard-shaped extension projecting from the outer periphery of a shoulder section of the syringe barrel on the nozzle side, and a range from a part where a gasket of the plunger is positioned on the outer surface of the syringe barrel filled with the drug to the guard-shaped extension is covered with barrier packaging.

NEEDLE PROTECTOR, NEEDLE ASSEMBLY AND FLUID PROCESSING SET INCLUDING THE SAME - Needle protector assemblies including needle assemblies and needle protectors for housing used blood collection needles are disclosed. The needle protectors are single-piece protectors that include an open distal end for receiving a needle hub (with needle mounted thereon). A retaining member locks the hub when the needle hub is substantially retracted. A stop engages the hub in the fully retracted position such that the needle post is completely contained within the interior chamber of the needle protector. A viewing slot in one of the walls of the needle protector is provided.

Combination eye cup and drop dispenser - A Combination Eye Cup and Drop Dispenser is disclosed. The dispenser has a nozzle within an eye cup so that the user's hand will be steadied by resting the eye cup over the eye. The eye cup is integrated with a cap that regulates the opening and closing of the dispenser bottle so that turning the eye cup will open or close the dispenser nozzle. The bottle neck has external threads configured to engage internal threads on the eye cup/cap.

2009-11-12

20090281509

APPARATUS TO COLLECT BODY FLUIDS FOLLOWING LIPOSUCTION SURGERY - An apparatus to remove and collect body fluids from a skin surgical incision following liposuction surgery. The apparatus includes a compressible suction bulb having an inlet. A patch having an adhesive on one side is attached to the outer epidermal surface by an adhesive so that the patch overlies the incision. The patch includes a central opening and a fluid tube fluidly connects the central opening of the patch to the suction bulb. Consequently, fluid flowing through the skin incision flows through the tube and into the suction bulb for collection and subsequent disposal.

ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING COLORED REGIONS - An absorbent article having colored regions. The absorbent article has at least three colored regions. The colored regions are spaced apart from one another. Each colored region has a major axis. The major axis of each colored region converges towards a common focal region on the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article.

2009-11-12

20090281514

TAMPON PLEDGET WITH IMPROVED BY-PASS LEAKAGE PROTECTION - A tampon has two pledgets or one pledget with an absorbent layer and a leak shield located therebetween. The pledgets or pledget with the absorbent layer and the leak shield are folded such that the leak shield covers a portion of the surface of at least one of the pledgets. Both pledgets or the one pledget with the absorbent layer have absorbencies that are each greater than an absorbency of the leak shield. In another embodiment of the tampon, the leak shield comprises a fluid impervious or fluid repellent material(s). In another embodiment of the tampon, the leak shield comprises of an absorbent or hydrophilic material. Yet in another embodiment, the leak shield comprises of multiple layers of materials that are hydrophilic, hydrophobic, or a combination thereof. A method of fabricating a tampon includes forming a pledget, combining a fluid-impervious polymer material with an absorbent material to define a polymer laminate, ramming the pledget and the laminate into an oven tube, and stitching the laminate to the pledget.

2009-11-12

20090281515

ABSORBENT ARTICLE - An absorbent article that can attain altering of the sensation of fitness thereof while maintaining a given capability of leakage prevention. The absorbent article is one comprising an absorbent article main body including at least a surface sheet part whose at least one area is permeable for liquid, disposed on one side in the direction of the thickness of the absorbent article and a liquid-retaining absorbent part disposed on the surface sheet part on the other side in the above direction of the thickness, and comprising, disposed on the other side in the direction of the thickness of the absorbent article main body, belt member (

2009-11-12

20090281516

MULTILAYER CONTAINERS - A multilayer evacuated blood collection tube is provided having a first tube layer, and a second tube layer formed on the first tube layer and a closure, the second tube layer being a nanocomposite barrier layer. Such containers include but are not limited to blood collection tubes, evacuated blood collection tubes, centrifuge tubes, culture bottles, and syringe barrels.

2009-11-12

20090281517

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REPAIRING AN INTERVERTEBRAL DISC - Systems for minimally invasive disc augmentation include an anulus augmentation component and, optionally, a nucleus augmentation component. Both are suited for minimally invasive deployment. The anulus augmentation component shields weakened regions of the anulus fibrosis and/or resists escape of natural nucleus pulposus and/or the nucleus augmentation component. Methods and deployment devices are also disclosed. Systems and methods for closing a defect in the anulus are also provided.

AUTOMATED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIABETES CONTROL - An automated method and system of diabetes control. The method includes establishing a blood glucose target for an insulin user, measuring an existing blood glucose level for the insulin user, and inputting the existing blood glucose level into a computer processor formed to execute an algorithm designed to calculate a corrective amount of insulin to be administered intravenously in an integrated basal-bolus manner to the insulin user if the existing blood glucose level exceeds the blood glucose target. The algorithm is based on a plurality of factors that contribute to a non-linear glucose response. The method further includes automatically delivering the corrective amount of insulin to the insulin user, and further repeating the measuring, inputting, and delivering steps one or more times to maintain the insulin user within the blood glucose target range.

2009-11-12

20090281520

Ocular Implantation Device - An ocular implantation device comprises a housing having a longitudinal axis, a needle configured to receive an implant, and a plunger and a rod operatively coupled together. The plunger and the rod are disposed in the housing and are collectively, translationally moveable along the longitudinal axis of housing. The rod is configured to be receivable within at least a portion of the needle to enable the rod to move an implant therethrough. An actuator is operatively engaged with the plunger such that movement of the actuator in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the housing results in translational movement of the plunger and the rod along the longitudinal axis of the housing in order to deliver the implant through the needle to a target site. An alternative embodiment of the device uses a retractable needle to deliver the implant.

2009-11-12

20090281521

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RETAINING MEDICAL IMPLANTS WITHIN BODY VESSELS - The present application describes a retention device for anchoring a medical device within the vasculature. The device may include expandable member coupled to an intravascular medical device and proportioned for receipt within a vessel. At least a portion of the expandable member is expandable to radially engage a vessel wall and to thereby retain the medical device within the vessel. The system is suitable for a variety of intravascular devices, including but not limited to ICD's, pacemakers, and intravascular drug delivery systems.

2009-11-12

20090281522

METHODS OF INHIBITING SEIZURE IN A SUBJECT - The present invention relates to methods of inhibiting seizure in a subject. In particular, the invention provides methods of increasing brain leptin levels in a subject.

2009-11-12

20090281524

BI-DIRECTIONAL SHEATH DEFLECTION MECHANISM - A deflectable sheath for use in medical procedures in the vasculature is described. The sheath includes a handle supporting the sheath. Two pull wires run along opposite sides of the sheath to anchors at the deflectable distal end. The handle includes a rotatable member that moves a threaded member including wire guide in a back and forth translation. As the movement occurs, force is applied to either one or the other of the pull wires to cause deflection of distal end of the sheath in either and upwardly or a downwardly direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sheath.

2009-11-12

20090281525

PUSH-BUTTON BLOOD CONTROL - A device for controlling fluid flow through an indwelling catheter assembly. The device includes a septum that is closed by default but that may be defeated temporarily by either exerting a force on a contact surface of the septum, or by biasing the septum with a probe.

2009-11-12

20090281526

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Apparatus Including a Fluid Line Coupling - A negative pressure wound therapy apparatus includes a wound dressing for forming a substantially fluid-tight seal over a wound to define a reservoir over the wound in which a negative pressure may be maintained. A vacuum source is in fluid communication with the reservoir to provide an appropriate negative pressure to the reservoir to stimulate healing of the wound. The apparatus includes a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir and defining a fluid flow path for carrying fluids from the reservoir, and a fluid line coupling adapted for selective engagement and disengagement of first and second coupling segments to respectively maintain and interrupt the fluid flow path.

2009-11-12

20090281527

DRAINAGE DEVICE - A urine collection system includes a collection element configured for operable connection to a catheter for accumulating urine expelled from a subject and defining an opening for passage of the urine from the collection element and a drainage device extending from the collection element and positioned about the opening in the collection element. The drainage device includes a drain spout defining an outlet port disposed above the opening in the collection element. Urine collected in the collection element exits the opening within the collection element to be drained through the outlet port of the drain spout until the volume of urine reaches a predetermined level below the outlet port. Upon reaching the predetermined level, the urine remaining within the drainage device establishes a fluid trap substantially preventing contaminants from entering the collection element through the opening.

2009-11-12

20090281528

OSMOTIC PUMP APPARATUS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Apparatuses and methods for pumping fluids such as fluid medications are disclosed. In illustrative embodiments of the invention, the architectural geometry of one or more fluid containing chambers within a fluid delivery device is constructed to incorporate design parameters that function to control movement of fluids within the device. Typical embodiments of the invention provide osmotic pumps that use such elements to control various fluid delivery parameters.

2009-11-12

20090281529

METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A LASER IN THE ABLATION OF THE CORNEAL LAYER OF AN EYE - The invention relates to a method for controlling a laser for eye surgery in the excision or ablation of a corneal volume of a human or animal eye, whereby said method comprises the steps of (a) carrying out a pachymetric or pachymetric and topographic measurement of at least one part of the cornea through manual and/or automatic data acquisition by means of a measuring system, (b) calculating a volume element, based on the measured parts of the cornea, using volume-describing functions or by interpolation of the measured data obtained in step a) and/or a following plausibility test of the available data, (c) automatically and/or manually providing and entering data concerning the desired depth, the diameter and the geometry of the corneal excision or ablation, (d) calculating a modified excision or ablation volume, using volume-describing functions and/or by interpolation of the volume element calculated in step b) with the data according to step c), (e) representing the modified excision or ablation volume using volume-describing functions and/or by interpolation of the volume element calculated in step d), (f) automatically and/or manually providing and entering data concerning the correction factors specific to the cornea and to the laser used in the corneal excision or ablation, (g) applying the correction factors acquired in step f) to the excision or ablation volume calculated in step d) and representing the resulting excision or ablation volume, using volume-describing functions, and (i) exporting the data calculated in step g) for external further processing or calculation of a laser spot distribution for generating the excision or ablation volume calculated in step g), taking into consideration device-specific parameters of lasers for eye surgery and exporting or transferring the calculated laser shot coordinates to the laser.

2009-11-12

20090281530

METHOD FOR TREATING AN ORGANIC MATERIAL - The invention relates to a method for treating an organic material, in particular a biological material, in which the organic material is irradiated with laser light in the form of ultrashort pulses at a defined energy input, which pulses are adjusted with regard to a respective pulse length and pulse energy for the organic material such that an energy density of from around 100 mJ/cm

ARRANGEMENT FOR USE WITH A BALLOON ABLATION CATHETER - Along with the advancement of cryoablation procedures, there have been developments resulting in technology that can use catheters adapted with cryogenic balloons containing two non-compliant membranes. These cryogenic balloons do not contact significant portions of the targeted tissue, which can result in a longer than desirable ablation procedure. It may be advantageous for these cryogenic balloons to conform to the targeted tissue more effectively than prior advancements have enabled. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an expansion chamber can contain an inner membrane and an outer membrane. In an exemplary expansion membrane, the outer membrane can conform to an anatomical structure during an ablation procedure and the inner membrane can facilitate a selective expansion of the outer membrane. In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the inner membrane can be provided with a plurality of membranes. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an energy facilitating arrangement can be provided within the inner membrane. For example, cryogenic fluid, a laser or a RF coil can be provided as the energy facilitating arrangements within the inner membrane.

2009-11-12

20090281533

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CHILLING CRYO-ABLATION COOLANT AND RESULTING CRYO-ABLATION SYSTEM - Apparatus and methods for cooling liquid coolant, such as nitrous oxide, to be delivered to a cryo-ablation device such as a balloon catheter. A hose or conduit in fluid communication with the ablation device includes an outer member and inner tubes. A first inner tube disposed within a lumen of the outer member carries liquid coolant to the ablation device. Another inner tube also disposed within the lumen carries liquid coolant and terminates within the lumen such that gaseous coolant derived from liquid coolant flowing through the second inner tube flows within the lumen to cool or chill the first inner tube and liquid coolant carried by the first inner tube to the ablation device.

2009-11-12

20090281534

SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING THERAPY - The system of the preferred embodiments includes a first rotational element, a second rotational element, and a therapeutic source coupled to the rotational elements. The system permits simultaneous attachment to and movement around a surface of tissue, preferably during an ablation procedure (either during lesion creation or between lesion creation events), or during any other suitable procedure. The therapeutic source functions to translate along the path of tissue and deliver therapy as the first and second rotational elements rotate and roll along the path of tissue. The therapeutic source preferably delivers contiguous doses of therapy along the path of tissue. The system is preferably designed for delivering therapy to tissue and, more specifically, for delivering therapy to cardiac tissue. The system, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and for any suitable reason.

2009-11-12

20090281535

ELECTROSURIGICAL INSTRUMENT AND METHOD - An electrosurgical instrument and method for treating varicose veins. In one embodiment, an elongate catheter has a distal working end that carries an electrosurgical energy delivery surface comprising at least one electrode with a positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PTCR) surface and/or an electrode with a pressure sensitive variable resistance to provide a smart surface for controlling Rf current flow at the interface of electrosurgical surface and the tissue. The electrode surface then can limit or modulate Rf energy delivery through the surface in response to the temperature of the surface or the engagement pressure of the surface against the engaged tissue. In operation, the smart electrosurgical surface prevents arcing at the electrode-tissue interface, and thus controls ohmic heating to prevent tissue desiccation, charring and emboli formation.

2009-11-12

20090281536

Medical Device For Diagnosing and Treating Anomalous Tissue and Method for Doing the Same - Disclosed herein are medical devices for diagnosing and treating anomalous tissue and methods of use. One embodiment of the medical device can comprise an energy source configured to emit at least an excitation beam and a therapeutic beam, a probe coupled to the energy source and configured to propagate the excitation and therapeutic beams with the beams capable of contact with the tissue, a sensor coupled to the probe that detects at least one predefined attribute of radiation emanating from the tissue when the tissue is subjected to the excitation beam and a controller coupled to the energy source and the sensor and programmed to selectively alternatively actuate the energy source to emit the excitation beam and the therapeutic beam in response to the detection of the at least one predefined attribute by the sensor.

2009-11-12

20090281537

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING A FUNGAL NAIL INFECTION WITH SHORTWAVE AND/OR MICROWAVE RADIATION - The present invention relates to methods and devices for treating hard biological tissue (in particular, keratin-rich hard tissues) with electromagnetic energy having a frequency of at least 0.5 MHZ (megahertz) and less than 10 GHZ (gigahertz) (for example, HF, RF or microwave energy), and particularly, to methods and devices for treating infections, for example, fungal infections of the nail.

ELECTRODE DEVICE - Neutral electrodes (used for introducing a high frequency treatment current via a skin section of a human or animal body) that include, in addition to known components, at least one measuring electrode spaced from the main electrode, and at least one measuring current generator that is connected to the main electrode and to the measuring electrode generating a high frequency measuring current, which flows between the measuring electrode and the main electrode. The neutral electrodes thus allow for monitoring of the contact of the neutral electrode with the skin and for monitoring of the high frequency current flow and its spatial distribution. This allows for increased safety during use of the neutral electrode for treatment.

2009-11-12

20090281540

Apparatus, Systems and Methods for Treating a Human Tissue Condition - Apparatus, systems and methods for providing electrical energy to treat a tissue condition includes a high voltage pulse generator for generating short high voltage pulses of energy and a delivery device for receiving the pulses of energy. The delivery device includes at least a pair of needle electrodes for penetrating into the tissue and delivering the pulses of energy to the tissue.

2009-11-12

20090281541

CONDUCTION BLOCK SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Tissue treatment systems for cardiac surgical procedures can include an ablation and monitoring assembly having a first ablation element, a second ablation element, and a monitoring mechanism. Treatment methods may involve placing an ablation and monitoring assembly of the tissue treatment system at a patient tissue treatment site, applying a first ablative energy to a first tissue location via the first ablation element and a second ablative energy to a second tissue location via the second ablation element, monitoring a condition of the first tissue location with the monitoring mechanism, and modulating application of the first ablative energy to the first tissue location in response to the condition of the first tissue location while maintaining application of the second ablative energy to the second tissue location. Embodiments also include techniques for assessing a conduction delay across a lesion that involve evaluating local activation rates on various sides of a lesion.